jyqA42.8Q

Does anyone have contact info for Audi Public Relations, besides the AoA customer service number?
Here's the condensed version of the story:
In the pass year or so, I've been working with Livermore Audi and Diablo Audi to resolve a problem with my 04' S4 TIP making a clunking sound during slow braking. An example would be leaving the office parking lot and reaching the next stop sign, the vehicle intermittently makes 1 or a series of 2 clunk sounds during braking. This has been occurring for some time, unfortunately it's intermittent enough that fails to reveal itself during numerous visits to the dealer. While this was case during most visits to the dealer, On a few occasion with Livermore Audi, a techincian(Fred) was able to experience the symptom, This was after convincing them to try and replicate the user experience, by taking the car home for a few days. A few days later I receive a call from the service advisor(Michael) indicating the car is ready for pick up and unfortunately was not repaired due to the symptom's inability to exhibit itself consistently for further diagnosys. My instructions were to bring the car back in when it happens more consistently, well this to me once or twice a day is consistently enough. The service director(Sam) echoed the same sentiment. This is the same dealership that forgot to put a wheel lug back into my driver's side rear wheel once on my A4 after a routine service. After several exchanges between Audi Customer service and Livermore Audi, Audi Customer service suggested I try another dealership and recommended Diablo Audi, which was not only 35 miles away, resulted in the same outcome in that they were unable to reproduce the symptom.

There are plenty of details, such as sub-frame and engine mount replacement, that I've left out in an attempt to keep this post short. While I would love to purchase the new RS4 as a replacement and owning 2 other Audis I've just about given up on Audi. Being in the computer industry I expect a certain amount of problems, but what counts is how they are addressed when reported. Getting back to my original request, I would love to hear from anyone who has information on contacting Audi public relations directly.

Thank you for listening.
--John

Car Crazy

There is a new TSB. Mine clunks under braking and sharp turns - torn upper control arm bushings. Mine clunks so loud that I can feel it.

S4iowa

<img src="http://lh3.google.com/mattb93/R3w_r8DvAFI/AAAAAAAACgw/8RM4sFczgrc/s800/Control%20Arm-1%20TSB.jpg" />
<img src="http://lh3.google.com/mattb93/R3w_r8DvAGI/AAAAAAAACg4/Ke23O-NCDnY/s800/Control%20Arm-2%20TSB.jpg" />
<img src="http://lh4.google.com/mattb93/R3w_sMDvAHI/AAAAAAAAChA/COorXDK9Ijk/s800/Control%20Arm-3%20TSB.jpg" />
<img src="http://lh4.google.com/mattb93/R3w_sMDvAII/AAAAAAAAChI/B6TTtI3C7zs/s800/Control%20Arm-4%20TSB.jpg" />
<img src="http://lh5.google.com/mattb93/R3w_scDvAJI/AAAAAAAAChQ/DfePs3-kh44/s800/Control%20Arm-5%20TSB.jpg" />
<img src="http://lh4.google.com/mattb93/R3xAXMDvAKI/AAAAAAAAChg/QrKFHSqOaCc/s800/Control%20Arm-6%20TSB.jpg" />
<img src="http://lh4.google.com/mattb93/R3xAXMDvALI/AAAAAAAACho/Khxjsq3Y8BU/s800/Control%20Arm-7%20TSB.jpg" />

DrVolkl

it's probably the control arm bushings like someone said, but we found something else lose in the engine bay...like an abs unit or something..can't remember.

jyqA42.8Q

Thanks for the help The TSB calls out the A4, but no mention of the S4. I'll call Customer Support and confirm that the TSB applies to the S4.

SPF 4.2

My cracked bushings presented as clicking when turning, fyi

Dirty S-FO

Not to get into semantics here, but mine was not a "clunking" noise.. Sounded more like breaking plastic forks... Specifically in turns at slow speeds, and speed bumps, regardless of braking or not... Just a theory, but cars NOT located near an ocean or extreme cold do not have this problem, i.e. some sort of corrosion from the elements is eating those rubber bushings. Good Luck with AoA....

jyqA42.8Q

AoA customer service was unable to confirm that the TSB applies to the S4 and directed me back to the dealership for confirmation. Left a message with Diablo Audi service dept. Will see if they will honor the TSB. My concern is due to the inconsistent behavior of the symptom that they may insist on seeing the problem before considering the TSB.

jyqA42.8Q

Everyone thanks for the information, especially "S4iowa" for posting the TSB details. Got back from Diablo Audi earlier today and after a visual inspection. The front upper bushings were indeed damaged. Unfortunately the parts are not normally stocked and scheduled a date for replacement. Thanks again.